U of A United Way Campaign Needs You 'Now More Than Ever'

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The 86th University of Arkansas United Way Campaign kicks off today, and will run throughout October. Co-chairs Margaret Sova McCabe, dean of the School of Law, and Deacue Fields, dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, encourage faculty and staff to donate to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

This year's campaign, with the theme "Now More Than Ever," has a goal of raising $100,000 to help children and families in need. All donations to the U of A's United Way Campaign go to the United Way of NWA, and 98 percent of that money goes directly to local programs.

Join McCabe, Fields, Vice Chancellor of Advancement Mark Power and United Way of NWA Vice President of Corporate Engagement Christina Hinds for a campaign kickoff discussion about how the United Way supports local children and families.

The virtual event, hosted by the Arkansas Alumni Association, is at noon today and registration is required. 

"Despite Northwest Arkansas' growth and prosperity, we also have many families in need, and we are finding a whole new set of challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic," McCabe said. "The United Way has met these changing needs by supporting programs that provide healthy food for children, childcare for parents who are essential workers and PPE for healthcare workers."

Payroll deductions, recurring gifts or one-time credit card donations can be made online at unitedway.uark.edu. Payroll deductions are re-authorized each year and deductions begin in January 2021. Faculty and staff may donate to a specific agency through the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. Any donation of $100 or more to a 501(c)(3) organization, as defined by the IRS, and serving Northwest Arkansas, will be passed on directly to that organization.

Donation cards are distributed to campus staff who do not have regular access to the internet and should be returned to a campus coordinator. A full list of campus coordinators can be found at unitedway.uark.edu.

"We all have friends, neighbors, co-workers and many others facing struggles and challenges, and that's where United Way steps in," Fields said. "Now more than ever, the United Way needs our support to help those in our region. We hope you will give during the university's annual United Way campaign."

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.